Gombe Reports Highest Snake Bite Cases, Calls for Local Antivenom Production

The Snake Bite Research Centre in Kaltungo revealed that Gombe has the highest number of snake bite cases in Nigeria, with 23 resulting in death. At the Toxicology Society Nigeria conference in Gombe, themed "Exploring Indigenous Venom Development Therapy in Nigeria," Isma'il highlighted that 75% of victims are men, mainly from carpet viper bites.

The high cost of antivenom in Nigeria has led to calls for local production. The Deputy Governor of Gombe, Manasseh Jatau, emphasized the state's efforts in constructing 114 primary healthcare centers to tackle the issue.

The conference aimed to address challenges and opportunities in snakebite treatment, with a focus on local production to reduce costs.